Echo and Husqvarna are two of the most popular chainsaw brands, and both have a wide variety of products in the market. Additionally, they make chainsaws for both DIYers and professional users.
Although you will still end up with a top-notch chainsaw regardless of which of the two brands you pick, here we provide a more detailed comparison to help make your choice easier.
In this post:
Echo Chainsaws
Photo: Echo
Echo is a Japanese company under the Yamabiko Corporation. Although it is a relatively new brand compared to Husqvarna, there is no doubt the company now has a significant global market share.
The company’s chainsaws have been in the market since the early 1970s. Most of their products are still manufactured in Japan to date, which should give users some quality assurance given the high manufacturing standards there.
Echo provides a broad catalog of chainsaws, and they have both top and rear handle chainsaw lines. Products in both lines are typically characterized by a more comfortable and easy-to-use design. With most of their chainsaws, the company uses vibration-reducing technology and groups the control in one easy-to-reach location for user convenience.
Another element that always makes Echo chainsaws stand out is their products are more affordable than other brands like Husqvarna. Despite the smaller price tag, the company never compromises quality as they always use professional-grade parts and components to ensure the longest service life.
Additionally, Echo chainsaws use a high-performing 2-stroke engine and have a unique Pro-Fire ignition system that consistently guarantees easy start and smooth operation. What’s more, there are various complementary Echo parts and accessories available that you can use to enhance your chainsaw’s performance and overall usability further.
Read More: The Best Echo Chainsaws
Advantages of Echo chainsaw
- Comfortable and easy to control
- Relatively affordable
- Minimal maintenance required
- Easy start and smooth running
Disadvantages of Echo chainsaw
- Typically not the most powerful
Husqvarna Chainsaws
Photo: Husqvarna
Husqvarna is a Swedish company that started operation back in 1689, making it one of the world’s largest and oldest power tools manufacturers. However, the company only started manufacturing and selling chainsaws commercially in 1959 to cater to the increase in demand that came with the growth in the Swedish forestry and logging sectors.
The Husqvarna chainsaws typically have larger and more powerful engines when compared to most other brands out there, such as Echo. Hence, there is hardly any logging task that will be too big for you with a good Husqvarna chainsaw model.
Like Echo, Husqvarna tries to cater to all kinds of chainsaw users. While they have a wide variety of chainsaw models in the market that differ in cutting capacity and functionalities, most fall into two broad lines. These lines are the gas-powered and electric (battery-powered) chainsaws, with the former line being the most popular.
Husqvarna chainsaws are more famous for their heavy-duty construction, which very few other mid-range brands can match. Hence, if you are looking for a rugged and well-built chainsaw that can take a lot of abuse, they are always the brand to buy. Also, most of their chainsaws are made either in Sweden or the USA, meaning they have to adhere to high-quality standards.
What’s more, Husqvarna uses various innovative technologies to ensure their products give users an easy time and the best experience. Some of the brand’s most impressive technologies are the Low Vib system for absorbing vibrations to minimize hand fatigue and the TrioBrake that ensures the chain stops super-fast to reduce the risk of injuries.
Read More: The Best Husqvarna Chainsaws
Advantages of Husqvarna chainsaw
- Powerful engines/motors
- More product variety
- Heavy-duty construction
Disadvantages of Husqvarna chainsaw
- Relatively expensive
- Often much heavier tools
Competitive Products Comparison
The best way to understand how Echo and Husqvarna differ is by looking at some of their most popular products in the market. For this, the Echo CS-590 and Husqvarna 455 Rancher are perfect, given both are 20-inch gas-powered models.
Comparison Table
Echo CS-590 | Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
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Echo CS-590 |
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Husqvarna 455 Rancher |
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Echo CS-590 vs. Husqvarna 455 Rancher
1. Engine:Echo Packs More Power
The engine size is one of the key differences between these two chainsaws. While both are still powerful enough to handle most logging jobs, the Echo CS-590 has a relatively larger 59.8cc engine that can deliver up to 3.9 horsepower.
The larger and more powerful engine on the CS-59 makes it is a reliable professional-grade chainsaw. This Echo chainsaw will be ideal for professional logging jobs and use by established ranchers and farmers. It can handle heavy usages, and the powerful engine allows it to get the job done much faster and efficiently.
The 55.5cc engine on the Husqvarna 455 Rancher that provides 34.9 horsepower might not pack the same punch as the Echo CS-590, but it is still also professional-grade. It may not do as much as the CS-590, but many ranchers and home users will find it a very resourceful tool for medium to heavy logging jobs.
2. Tank Capacity:Echo CS-590 Holds More Fuel
Echo CS-590 has a larger fuel tank capacity as it can hold up to 21.8 ounces of gasoline, while the tank on the Husqvarna saw holds around 14.4 fluid ounces.
Despite the Echo chainsaw having a larger engine, it still provides a longer run time and minimal refuels as these two chainsaws are designed to be highly fuel efficient. For example, the 455 Rancher uses X-torque to minimize fuel consumption greatly.
3. Dimensions: Husqvarna Is Always More Compact
Overall, the Echo CS-590 is a relatively larger tool whose dimensions are 20 x 13 x 11 inches. Husqvarna makes its chainsaws more compact and easier to pack and carry for your logging trips as its dimensions are 16.7 x 8.8 x 11.8 inches.
Also, the compact design makes the Husqvarna chainsaw more ideal for use in confined spaces.
4. Warranty: Echo Provides a Longer Warranty than Husqvarna
One more point of departure between these two tools is the warranty. Here, Echo seems to have a clear edge over Husqvarna. The company provides an impressive 5-year consumer warranty, which is much better than the 2-year warranty you get from Husqvarna.
However, for many users, both warranties are still long enough. If you intend to use the chainsaws for professional or commercial applications, both brands will only cover you for one year.
Conclusion
Buying your chainsaw from top brands like Echo and Husqvarna is one of the best ways to ensure you end up with something top-notch quality. In the end, the choice between these two fantastic companies will boil down to your preferences.
However, if you prefer a brand that gives you a wider variety of products to choose from, go for Husqvarna. On the other hand, Echo is your best bet if you want a more budget-friendly brand that still makes premium-quality chainsaws.